Best Linear Fusion Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

by | Jul 24, 2024

After years of sitting on the sidelines, followed by a few months at the top of the meta, Linear Fusions Rifles are finally in a good place. In fact, a few of them are still considered to be among the best weapons in Destiny 2.

This guide covers all Linear Fusion Rifles in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Episode 1 Echoes icon Destiny 2Updated as of Episode 1: Echoes. See Updates.

Top Tier Linear Fusion Rifles (Episode 1)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Linear fusion rifles right now:

ItemWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
CataclysmicCataclysmic art v2
Cataclysmic
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RiflePrecisionHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesS › BestVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Vow of the Disciple Raid
The Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Bait and Switch

► While recent options like Briar's Contempt technically outclass Cataclysmic in total damage, this linear fusion rifle continues to be many players' first choice. It's easy to use, stacks nicely with Surge mods, and tends to be way more consistent than its competitors.
Season 16
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Bait and Switch
Top-tier
Briar's ContemptBriar's Contempt art
Briar's Contempt
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RifleAggressiveHeavySolarLightfallYesS › BestRoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Root of Nightmares Raid
Lightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Focused Fury (also good: Surrounded)

► Briar's Contempt was released with little popularity, along with the rest of the Root of Nightmares weapons. However, now that people have had their hands on it for a bit, it's clear that Briar's is strong. The combination of Surrounded and Harmonic Resonance makes this weapon even stronger than Cataclysmic, but only in specific scenarios.
Season 20
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Focused Fury (also good: Surrounded)
Top-tier
Doomed PetitionerDoomed Petitioner art Destiny 2
Doomed Petitioner
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RifleAggressiveHeavyVoidLightfallYesS › BestStarcrossedCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Starcrossed
Lightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)

► Along with Briar's Contempt, Doomed Petitioner mainly excels at optimized total damage due to Surrounded and their aggressive frames. Sure, Cataclysmic is typically the go-to for many Guardians (and understandably so), but Doomed Petitioner and Briar's Contempt beat it out when it comes down to the numbers.
Season 23
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)
Top-tier
ScintillationScintillation art Destiny 2
Scintillation
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RifleAdaptiveHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesS › BestNightfall: The OrdealsCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Nightfall: The Ordeals
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Surrounded)

► In PvE, Scintillation is one of the best linear fusion rifles out there. Despite the current meta favoring rocket launchers and heavy grenade launchers, the top LFRs continue to hold their ground. Scintillation is an easy addition to those options.
The Final Shape
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Surrounded)
Top-tier
EuphonyEuphony FINAL art Destiny 2
Euphony
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RifleExoticSpecialStrandThe Final ShapeYesS › BestSalvation's Edge RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Salvation's Edge Raid
The Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing sustained damage with this weapon spawns Threadlings at your target's location. Threadling damage increases this weapon's damage."

► Euphony is remarkably powerful, and it gets even better when used on Strand Warlock thanks to Broodweaver's ability to spawn lots of Threadlings, stacking the Spindle perk faster, allowing Euphony to rival some Heavy Weapons for damage.
The Final Shape
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing sustained damage with this weapon spawns Threadlings at your target's location. Threadling damage increases this weapon's damage."
Top-tier
Sleeper SimulantDestiny 2 Sleeper Simulant art
Sleeper Simulant
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RifleExoticHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongExotic KioskCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Exotic Kiosk
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces."

► Sleeper Simulant hasn't been at the top for quite some time, and while it still doesn't break the bank, it's a consistent option that can get the job done when needed.
Season 3
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces."
Top-tier

Destiny 2 Linear Fusion Rifles: Complete List

This database includes every viable Linear Fusion currently in the game:

ArtNameTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 Arbalest artArbalestLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialKineticLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
B › Average
-Exotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 6KineticNo
Euphony FINAL art Destiny 2EuphonyLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialStrandThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialStrand Element Strand
S › Best
PvESalvation's Edge RaidError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeKineticNoTop-tier
Lorentz Driver artLorentz DriverLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialVoidBeyond Light PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
C › Weak
-Exotic KioskError icon V2 NoBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 15EnergyNo
Destiny 2 Sleeper Simulant artSleeper SimulantLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
A › Strong
PvEExotic KioskError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 3HeavyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 The Queenbreaker artThe QueenbreakerLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
D › Worst
-Exotic EngramError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 4HeavyNo
Briar's Contempt artBriar's ContemptLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavySolarLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
S › Best
PvERoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Reconstruction
Cataclysmic art v2CataclysmicLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
S › Best
PvEVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyCraftableTop-tierBait and Switch
Corsairs Wrath Destiny 2 artCorsair's WrathLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
D › Worst
-World loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 12HeavyNo
Doomed Petitioner art Destiny 2Doomed PetitionerLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyVoidLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
S › Best
PvEStarcrossedCheckmark icon V3 YesLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 23HeavyCraftableTop-tierReconstruction
Fire and Forget art
Fire and ForgetLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyStasisThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
C › Weak
-Operation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19HeavyCraftable
Laser Painter art Destiny 2Laser PainterLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
C › Weak
-Playlist: GambitError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 21HeavyNo
Line in the Sand Destiny 2 artLine in the SandLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyArcEpisode 1: EchoesYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
-Dawn EngramsError icon V2 NoEP1 Echoes Icon (final) Destiny 2
Episode 1: Echoes
The Final ShapeHeavyNoVoltshot,Bait and Switch
Restricted art Destiny 2Mistral LiftLinear Fusion RifleAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayTimed-EventHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid VoidEvent: DawningError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 2HeavyNo
Reed's Regret artReed's RegretLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyStasisThe Final ShapeYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
B › Average
PvETrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 15HeavyNo
Sailspy Pitchglass artSailspy PitchglassLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-XûrCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftableVoltshot
Scintillation art Destiny 2ScintillationLinear Fusion RifleAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
S › Best
PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
The Final ShapeHeavyNoTop-tierBait and Switch
Stormchaser artStormchaserLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyArcWitch Queen Dungeon KeyYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
PvEDuality DungeonError icon V2 NoSeason 17HeavyNo
Suspectum-4fr art Destiny 2Suspectum-4frLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
B › Average
-World loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
The Final ShapeHeavyNo
Taipan-4fr artTaipan-4frLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
B › Average
PvEGunsmithCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftableRepulsor Brace
Tarantula artTarantulaLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
D › Worst
-World loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 13HeavyNo
Threaded Needle artThreaded NeedleLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
C › Weak
-World loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 13HeavyNo

Tier Ranks used for our list:

  • S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
  • S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
  • A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
  • B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
  • C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
  • D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.

Best D2 Linear Fusions Today

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Linear Fusion Rifles (LFRs) in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

 

Sleeper Simulant Destiny 2 featured linear fusion

5. Sleeper Simulant

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Consistently finding itself in a weird spot within the meta, Sleeper Simulant’s potency has never been truly utilized by the community at large.

With absurdly high damage per shot and a catalyst that greatly assists with the weapon’s overall useability, Sleeper Simulant is an outstanding pick for total damage. However, this comes at the cost of using your exotic weapon slot, which many players tend to avoid.

In addition to the high cost of your exotic slot, Sleeper Simulant needs to compete with top weapons like Cataclysmic and Apex Predator. However, because of the major power creep we’ve seen recently, Sleeper just barely misses the mark. While it’s still a great total damage option, Sleeper Simulant is simply outclassed by new and powerful picks, putting it relatively low on our Top 5.

Exotic Perk: “The weapon’s laser over-penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces.”

How to get it: Sleeper Simulant can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.

 

Euphony preview Destiny 2

4. Euphony

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

While Euphony’s strength greatly depends on what class you’re playing on, its damage is nothing to scoff at, regardless.

When using the weapon on a Broodweaver Warlock, you can build up stacks of Spindle so quickly that your damage becomes comparable to some heavy ammo options. Even without this synergy, Euphony proves to be an outstanding option for both sustained damage and general use.

While Euphony isn’t game-breaking by any means, its strengths shouldn’t be breezed past, especially on Warlock.

Exotic Perk: “Dealing sustained damage with this weapon spawns Threadlings at your target’s location. Threadling damage increases this weapon’s damage.”

How to get it: We cover How to get Euphony here.

 

Doomed Petitioner featured Destiny 2

3. Doomed Petitioner

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

Doomed Petitioner is the fourth aggressive frame linear fusion rifle to enter Destiny 2.

Even compared to raid weapons like Cataclysmic and Briar’s Contempt, Doomed Petitioner is extremely powerful. This weapon has not only some of the same combinations that made Briar’s so popular (Envious Assassin or Reconstruction with Surrounded) but also a unique trait that boosts it up even further: Precision Instrument.

While it’s only a 25% damage increase at max stacks (which is outclassed by both Bait and Switch and Surrounded), the perk is extremely easy to use and triggers in only two bursts. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, Doomed Petitioner can indeed roll with Surrounded, putting it nearly on par with Briar’s Contempt.

Despite other options that are inarguably more potent, Doomed Petitioner excels past most of its competition while boasting high total damage and outstanding ease of use. These are the top Doomed Petitioner God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)

How to get it: Doomed Petitioner was part of Season 23’s loot pool and is currently unavailable

 

Cataclysmic Linear Fusion Rifle Destiny 2 featured

2. Cataclysmic

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PVE

Cataclysmic has been a top damage weapon season after season, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Cataclysmic’s main draw comes from a perk previously locked behind the Vow of the Disciple raid: Bait and Switch. While it was slightly nerfed not too long ago (and it’s now featured on many other options), Cataclysmic was both popular and strong enough in previous seasons that players still prefer it over other options.

While linear fusion rifles as a whole have been on a steady decline over the past year or so, Cataclysmic continues to be a solid option and useful tool in many Guardian’s arsenals. These are the top Cataclysmic God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Fourth Time’s The Charm + Bait and Switch

How to get it: Cataclysmic can be acquired from the Vow of the Disciple Raid.

 

Scintillation preview Destiny 2

1. Scintillation

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

A newcomer to the game with The Final Shape, Scintillation has seen heavy popularity right out of the gate.

Containing nearly every single perk that’s defined the linear fusion rifle meta for the past couple of years, Scintillation has a perk combination for every Guardian and every situation. Plus, it’s a burst LFR, making it slightly stronger compared to older picks like Cataclysmic.

While Scintillation isn’t potent enough to place linear fusion rifles in the eye of the meta again, it offers solid (and relatively unique) perks that push it above its competition. These are the top Scintillation God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Surrounded)

How to get it: Scintillation is a Nightfall Weapon that can be acquired from Nightfall completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

Linear Fusion Rifles and the PvP Meta

We covered which specific Linear Fusions are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Heavy weapons in PvP?

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

-► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together.

► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn
PVP Heavies
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

-► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict
PVP Heavies
Machine gun weapon type Destiny 2
Machine Guns
A › Strong
Strong

A

-► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure
PVP Heavies
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
B › Average
Average

B

-► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible.PVP Heavies
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
Swords
C › Weak
Weak

C

-► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang
PVP Heavies

This TTK guide includes the TTKs for every weapon in Destiny 2. But Heavy weapons follow different rules (except machine guns). These are supposed to be the most powerful weapons in the entire game, and the expectation is that they one-shot enemy guardians. This is why TTK is not applicable here.

For PvP, you want your Power weapon to be as reliable and consistent as possible. Linear Fusions are not too bad in that department due to their high aim assist, but they still require good timing and aim.

If you’re looking for a more forgiving weapon, a rocket launcher will be a better option. Having said that, Linear Fusions get more ammo and players who can master Linear Fusions can easily secure a few kills per ammo brick.

Linear Fusions and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do LFRs compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Exotic Sniper Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain role: Single Target damage

► The recent buffs to certain Snipers, like Whisper of the Worm, and the Sniper's Meditation artifact mod make Exotic Sniper Rifles an easy, accessible, and powerful DPS option on bosses like The Witness in particular. Any boss that has a reasonable crit spot and a decently lengthed damage phase can be destroyed by Whisper right now, and you should definitely take advantage of it.

► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm
PVE Heavies
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage).

► Grenade Launchers have finally reached the apex of the DPS meta. Grenade Launchers like Edge Transit and Cataphract GL3 with Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch are incredibly powerful thanks to the amount of burst damage they can put out. Because of this, it's safe to say that Grenade Launchers belong in the top tier of PvE Heavies.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Edge Transit
PVE Heavies
Machine gun weapon type Destiny 2
Machine Guns
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain role: Add Clear

► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers.

► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade
PVE Heavies
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
Swords
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage).

► Swords are pretty decent right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End and for the Herald of Finality in Salvation's Edge. However, this is only because of the design of the boss fight and a specific buff to Sword damage against Crota. Outside of these bosses, Swords are a decent but mediocre option as they are simply out-damaged by other heavy weapons.

► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine
PVE Heavies
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend downMain role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear)

► Rockets aren't as good as they used to be, but they are still definitely usable. In most relevant content such as the most recent raid, Salvation's Edge, Rockets aren't too popular (outside of Still Hunt rotations). Despite this Rockets are still a competitive option, and they do some solid burst damage.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: Apex Predator
PVE Heavies
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend downMain role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage)

► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily.

► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret
PVE Heavies

According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:

Role Explanation Target Weapon types
Add Clear Clearing weaker enemies faster than you could with a primary ammo weapon. For most content, primaries do the add clear job perfectly well, so this is most useful in high-difficulty PvE. Main: Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Swords

Secondary: Rocket Launchers

Single Target Damage Burning down a boss. Main: Linear Fusion Rifles, Exotic Snipers, Swords

Secondary: Grenade Launchers, Machine Guns

Burst Damage Burning down a champion quickly, or for bosses with multiple damage phases, clearing a phase quickly. Main: Rocket Launchers

Secondary: Linear Fusion Rifles

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2. When it comes to actual DPS, Linear Fusions are strong:

-Weapon TypeArchetypeSustained DPSMag DPSTotal DamageSpecs---Best in ClassChange?Ammo
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

2971734498703216/w CatalystDestiny 2 Sleeper Simulant artSleeper SimulantBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

2090125186483576With "Marksman Sights"Destiny 2 The Queenbreaker artThe QueenbreakerBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion RifleAggressive1986621459712188-Stormchaser artStormchaserNewHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion RiflePrecision1849020453500066-Reed's Regret artReed's RegretBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

1817020574488819-Destiny 2 Arbalest artArbalestSameSpecial
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

1580017891425063-Lorentz Driver artLorentz DriverSameSpecial

Endgame content

When using a Linear Fusion, you want to dish sustained damage to a single target in endgame content, be it a Boss or a Major. As Linear Fusions are all about hitting precision hits to take advantage of that sweet critical hit multiplier, you’ll want to use it against an enemy that has a reasonably easy-to-hit crit spot. Unlike Rocket launchers or Swords that can’t deal precision damage, Linear Fusions need to land virtually 100% precision shots in order to be competitive.

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Primary and Special weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 SMGs and Best Destiny 2 Shotguns, too.

You now know everything there is to know about Linear Fusions in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.

See latest Updates

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:

  • July 24, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Linear Fusion Rifles from Episode 1.
  • February 28, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Linear Fusions from Season 22 and Season 23.
  • Aug 8, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Season 18 to 21 Linear fusion rifles.
  • Jan 5, 2022: Inclusion of Year 5 (the Witch Queen) LFRs.
  • Nov 22, 2022: Inclusion of Year 4 LFRs.
  • May 10, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.

Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!

About The Author

Andrew Sideris
Andrew Sideris
With my over seven years of game knowledge, six months of writing experience for Blueberries.gg, and hundreds of Blueberries already guided through endgame content, I hope to allow newcomers to have the same great introduction I had all those years ago. You can find Andrew on Twitter.
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  1. ConfidentFlame

    ummm….. this page needs a refresher lol. Happy Holidays 🙂

    Reply
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